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Common Name: Citron

General Information

Citrus medica is a straggly, evergreen shrub or small tree growing up to 4 metres tall. It is considered to be a delicate plant and the most tender of the cultivated Citrus species[].
The plant yields an edible fruit, though it is very acidic and is more commonly used as a flavouring. It also plays a role in the Jewish Feast of the Tabernacles[]. The plant is occasionally cultivated in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones[]. In the tropics, where a few fruits ripen throughout the year, the crop is more suited to home gardens than production in orchards[]. There are some named varieties[]. The plant is also sometimes grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Only known in cultivation.

Habitat

Not known in a truly wild situation.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Three main climates are suitable for commercial citrus production - tropical climates, subtropical with winter rain such as in the Mediterranean and semitropical with summer rainfall as found in Florida and southern Brazil[].
Prefers a deep, well-drained but moisture-retentive loamy soil in full sun[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7, tolerating 5.5 - 8[, ]. Prefers a position sheltered from strong winds[].
In the tropics, citron grows very well at elevations below 1,300 metres[]. The optimal temperatures for cultivation range between 15 - 27°c, with the coldest month having an average minimum of at least 15°c[]. Growth generally ceases below 13°c and above 35°c[]. Fruits are killed if the temperature falls to -2°c, whilst the leaves are killed at -9°c[]. If there are dry periods of more than three months, then irrigation will be necessary[]. Citron is very sensitive to frost and to intense heat and drought; it is the tenderest of all Citrus species[].
The tree has a short life cycle compared with other citrus species. It starts producing when 2 - 3 years old, reaches a maximum in 8 - 15 years and has an economical life of 25 - 30 years[, ].
Mature trees produce about 40 kg fruit per year, but yields up to 100 kg per year per tree have been obtained[].
Citron cultivars are divided into two groups:-
Acid cultivars. These have pinkish floral buds and shoots, acid pulp and a dark inner seed-coat and chalazal spot[].
Non Acid cultivars. These are without pinkish floral buds and shoots, with non-acid pulp, a colourless inner seed-coat and a pale-yellow chalazal spot.
In China, Japan, Indo-China and India, Citrus medica L. Var. Sarcodactylis (Noot.) Swingle is widely cultivated. It is the fingered citron or Buddha's Hand Citron, whose fruit is split into a number of finger-like sections, without or with very scanty pulp[]. It is highly esteemed for its fragrance and beauty and used to perfume rooms and clothing[]. Grown as a dwarf plant it is also a valued ornamental throughout the Far East[].

Edible Uses

The fruits are made into marmalade, eaten in salads or are used in liqueurs[].
The thick rind of the fruit can be sliced and added to salads, or candied and used as a flavouring in cakes, puddings, confectionery etc[]. It is a commercial source of candied peel, used in cakes etc[]. The thick peel is candied, after having been cleaned by fermentation in sea water[].
The fruit of some improved forms can be used to extract the juice for making beverages and desserts[].
The lemon-shaped fruit can be 10 - 20cm long[].

Medicinal

The fresh shoots, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of citron have all entered into a number of traditional medicinal preparations for the treatment of asthma, arthritis, headache, stomach-ache, intestinal parasites and certain psychological disturbances (insanity, possession by evil spirits).

Decoctions of the roots are reportedly used to treat respiratory problems and backache in China[].

The fruits are used in the treatment of malaria, coughs and colds[].

The stem is used in febrifuge pills[].

Other Uses

Citron fruit has been used since Roman times as a perfume and moth repellent, and to flavour foods[].

Propagation

The seed is best sown in containers as soon as it is ripe, after thoroughly rinsing it[, ]. Sow stored seed in containers as soon as possible]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 13°c. Seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. The seed is usually polyembryonic, two or more seedlings arise from each seed and they are genetically identical to the parent but they do not usually carry any virus that might be present in the parent plant[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until they are 10cm or more tall before planting out into their permanent positions.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood in a frame. This species grows easily from cuttings[]. Citron is usually propagated by leafy cuttings taken from 2-4 year-old branches[].
Layering in October.

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Captcha: if i have 3 bananas, and i eat them all, how many bananas did i just eat?